In a rapidly changing global order, where should Africa position itself — and whose interests should determine the choices it makes?
In her contribution to Women in Geopolitics, geopolitical and strategic trade analyst Jacqueline examines Africa’s position through the interconnected lenses of energy security, commodities, global trade and shifting geopolitical power.
Her central message is one of strategic African agency.
Global alliances are changing. Competition over energy, commodities, supply chains and markets is intensifying. In this environment, Jacqueline argues that African countries must become increasingly deliberate about protecting their own economic and strategic interests rather than simply aligning themselves with the priorities of external powers.
As she puts it: “Countries don’t have friends, they’ve got interests.”
For Africa, understanding this principle is critical.
The continent possesses enormous reserves of oil, gas, minerals and agricultural commodities, yet too much of this wealth continues to leave Africa in raw form, with value addition, manufacturing and much of the resulting economic benefit taking place elsewhere.
Greater sovereignty therefore requires Africa to strengthen its ability to process and beneficiate its own resources, expand intra-African trade and build stronger domestic and regional value chains.
Jacqueline also draws attention to the relationship between energy security and everyday economic security.
Oil and gas affect far more than fuel and transport. They are deeply embedded in modern production systems, including fertilisers, plastics and other essential inputs. Disruptions in global energy markets can therefore quickly become challenges for food security, manufacturing, trade and household economies.
But where are women in this strategic economy?
Jacqueline highlights access to finance as one of the greatest barriers preventing African women entrepreneurs from expanding their participation in business and strategic sectors. Women are deeply represented across Africa’s SME economy, yet continue to face significant constraints in accessing the capital required to grow.
Her message to women entering traditionally male-dominated industries is equally uncompromising: expertise matters. Women must build deep knowledge of their industries, understand the systems in which they operate and enter strategic sectors with confidence and competence.
Ultimately, Jacqueline’s contribution challenges Africa to recognise that economic sovereignty will not simply be given to the continent.
It must be built through knowledge, ownership, value addition, strategic trade and the courage to pursue Africa’s own interests in a changing global order.
Women in Geopolitics, Amplifying the Voices Shaping Africa’s Future.
The Women in Geopolitics Debate Series is a high-level thought-leadership platform dedicated to amplifying African voices, particularly women’s voices, in conversations on geopolitics, global affairs, governance, leadership and development.
Through dialogue with women leaders, diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, academics and experts from across Africa and beyond, the programme is building a growing archive of African women’s perspectives on the issues shaping our continent and our world.
We invite you to visit the Women in Geopolitics Knowledge Hub on YouTube, explore previous conversations and subscribe as we unveil a new voice every day throughout August.
Madelein Mkunu is the President of Leading Women of Africa (LWA), a Pan-African social enterprise promoting women's leadership in economic development, and the founder of Beyond Boundaries, a global content and advocacy platform amplifying African women’s voices in policy, peacebuilding, and development. A bilingual English–French strategist and accomplished public speaker, she brings over 20 years of experience in gender mainstreaming, inclusive governance, and stakeholder engagement across Africa and globally. She holds an MBA and a Master’s in Management from IEDC-Bled School of Management (Slovenia), a Postgraduate Degree in Development Studies from the University of the Western Cape (South Africa), a Certificate in Leadership from the Dale Carnegie Institute, and is an alumna of Michigan State University’s Women Empowerment Programme. With a background in accounting and a passion for transformative change, Madelein is a trusted advisor to institutions seeking Africa-rooted development solutions.
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